Alaphilippe surprises the sprinters
The multiple World Champion leads home a French 1-2 for Soudal Quick-Step in Slovakia.
Julian Alaphilippe took his second victory of the season in spectacular fashion, attacking in the technical last kilometer of Okolo Slovenska stage three – which concluded in the small town of Dubnica nad Vahom – and arriving alone at the finish, where he celebrated the 43rd win of his illustrious career.
It was a move that reminded of his victory in Jesi, at the 2019 Tirreno-Adriatico, only this time the Frenchman’s attack came much early, as he took advantage of the sinuous final kilometer of Friday’s stage to open a gap which he carried until the end. Alaphilippe, the 2018 winner of Okolo Slovenska, was followed on the stage and joined on the podium by neo-pro teammate Paul Magnier, who rounded out our squad’s excellent day.
Following this success, the race’s green jersey landed on the shoulders of Julian, who also moved up to second on the general classification, just ten seconds off first place, ahead of Saturday’s hilly stage to Ruzomberok.
More to follow…
